With Kids Through the Dolomites: from Lake Prags to the Region's Best Attractions
April 11, 2025
The Dolomites are not only a paradise for avid climbers and skiers. It is also the perfect place for a family vacation, full of unforgettable adventures and fascinating discoveries. In this article, we will take you on a journey from picturesque Prags Lake to the region's most interesting attractions, ideal for families with children. We will discover places where nature delights with its beauty, and the history and culture of the region come alive before our eyes. Get ready for a trip that will combine relaxation, education and lots of fun in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy!
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Prags Lake - the pearl of the Dolomites
Our family adventure in the Dolomites begins with one of the most beautiful places in the region - Lake Prags (Lake Braies). This turquoise lake, surrounded by majestic peaks, impresses with its beauty in every season. For families with children, it's the perfect place to start a vacation.
Prags Lake offers an easy walk all around, which takes about an hour. The route is accessible even for small children and strollers, making it ideal for families. Along the way, you will find many places to picnic and rest, where you can enjoy breathtaking views.
An attraction that is sure to appeal to children is the possibility of renting wooden boats. This is a great opportunity to feel like explorers, paddling through the crystal clear water (price: about 15 euros for 45 minutes, as of 2023). Remember, however, that the lake is very popular during the summer season. It's worth arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to find a parking spot (cost of parking: 8 euros for the whole day, as of 2023).
For more active families, Prags Lake is an excellent starting point for numerous hiking trails. You can go on short, easy hikes or more challenging trails, depending on the age and abilities of your children. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and stock up on water!
After an eventful day, stop at one of the local hostels or restaurants. Enjoy local specialties such as canederli (breadcrumbs noodles) or apple strudel - a great opportunity to experience the flavors of the region and relax after an active day.
Prags Lake is not only a beautiful sight, but also a lively nature lesson for children. You can observe the diversity of plants and animals, learn about the formation of mountain lakes or alpine ecosystems. This is the perfect place to spark your children's interest in nature and ecology.
Natural and adventure parks -. education through fun
After marveling at the beauty of Prags Lake, it's time to explore other treasures of the Dolomites. The next point on our family trip is the Puez-Odle Natural Park (Parco Naturale Puez Odle). It's a place where nature presents itself in all its glory, while offering plenty of activities for children and adults.
Puez-Odle Park is famous for its impressive rock formations, picturesque valleys and abundant flora and fauna. For families with children, we especially recommend Route 2, which offers a pleasant walk with beautiful views. The trail is well marked and maintained, making it safe even for younger explorers. Along the way you can have a picnic, watch the animals (perhaps spot marmots or chamois?) and admire the alpine flowers.
One of the best ways to explore the park is to take the cable car up to Seceda from the village of Ortisei. At the top, one of the most beautiful views in the Dolomites awaits you - a panorama that includes the Odle and Sassolungo massifs. This is a great place for family photos and learning about the geology of the Alps. During the summer season (June-September), it's worth checking current ticket prices for the cable car on the park's official website.
For more active families, Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park offers an interesting alternative. It is a less crowded place, ideal for those who appreciate peace and quiet and contact with wildlife. The park offers many trails of varying degrees of difficulty, so there is something for every family. Remember, however, that the trails here are less well marked than in more popular places, so it is advisable to plan your route carefully and take a map with you.
After an exhilarating day at the natural parks, it's time for a slightly different kind of adventure. Civetta Adventure Park is a place that is sure to appeal to both children and parents. The park offers ropes courses of varying difficulty, tailored to the age and ability of participants. This is a great opportunity for children to test their skills, overcome their fear of heights and feel like real explorers.
The park consists of 8 slides of different lengths and heights. Prices range from 69 to 89 euros per person (as of 2023), depending on the season and the route chosen. The price includes a cable car ride to the starting altitude. Qualified staff ensures the safety of participants at every stage of the adventure.
For the youngest tourists, Kinderpark Ciampedie offers a safe and friendly play space. This place is ideal for families with young children who are just beginning their adventure with the mountains. The park is equipped with bouncy castles, trampolines, swings and other attractions tailored to the little ones. Prices range from 6 euros per hour to 11 euros for 3 hours (as of 2023). It's worth remembering that parents must be present throughout the child's stay at the park.
Each of these places offers a unique blend of education and fun. Children learn about nature, geology and ecology while actively spending time outdoors. It's a great way to build family bonds and create unforgettable memories.
Practical tips for families visiting the Dolomites
When planning a family trip to the Dolomites, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind that will help make your trip even more successful and comfortable.
First of all, the weather in the mountains can be changeable, so it is always a good idea to be prepared for different weather conditions. When packing, remember warm sweaters, rain jackets and comfortable trekking shoes - even in summer. For children, it's worth taking an extra change of clothes in case of an unexpected downpour or playing in a stream.
If you plan to use cable cars, such as the one leading to Seceda in Puez-Odle Natural Park, check their schedules and prices in advance. During the high season (July-August), consider buying tickets online to avoid long queues. Remember, too, that some queues may be closed outside the winter and summer seasons.
When going to adventure parks such as Civetta Adventure Park, consider the age and ability of your children. Although the park offers trails of varying levels of difficulty, some attractions may have age or height restrictions. It's also a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak season.
If you plan to visit Prags Lake (Lake Braies), keep in mind that car traffic restrictions are in effect from July 10 to September 10. To reach the lake with your own car, you must arrive before 9:30 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m. At other times, you will need to use public transportation or walk. P3 parking costs 8 euros for the whole day (as of 2023).
In terms of food, the Dolomites offer many options for families with children. You'll find children's menus at most hostels and restaurants, but it's a good idea to carry snacks and drinks with you in case hunger strikes during your hike. Remember water bottles, too - regular hydration is key during outdoor activities, especially at altitude.
If you are planning a longer stay, consider purchasing the Dolomiti Superski Card. Although it is mainly associated with the winter season, it also offers many benefits in the summer, including discounts on cable cars and admission to various attractions.
For families with young children, Kinderpark Ciampedie can be a good place to rest between more challenging excursions. Remember, however, that the park does not offer shade, so it's a good idea to bring sunscreen and headgear.
When planning your route, take into account the capabilities of the youngest family members. Don't try to do too much in one day - it's better to plan shorter, but more intensive tours, interspersed with days of relaxation. This way you will avoid exhaustion and everyone will be able to fully enjoy the charms of the Dolomites.
Also remember the rules of safety and conservation. Teach your children not to stray from the trails, not to pick plants or disturb wild animals. This is a great opportunity to teach them the values of environmental protection and responsible tourism.
A trip to the Dolomites with children is not only an opportunity for active recreation, but also a chance to learn and grow. Use this time to talk with your children about geology, nature and local culture. You can even offer them to keep a travel diary or collect 'treasures' (pebbles, pinecones) as souvenirs of the trip.
Remember that the most important thing is to have a flexible approach and a positive attitude. Not everything will always go according to plan, but it is the unexpected adventures that often become the best vacation memories. Enjoy every moment you spend together in these beautiful mountains!
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